Mr speaker, it’s been 22 months of getting things done for Far North QLD.
Tonight, I want to highlight seven things I am particularly proud of:
1/ Taking the next step in having the strongest bail laws in the country.
These reforms will mean that if an offender breaches their bail and commits another Adult Crime, Adult Time offence, they will face a mandatory minimum of 12 months in jail.
2/ Investing in police resources.
364 new police officers have been recruited across Far North Queensland and our investment into the POLAIR helicopter has been invaluable in responding to criminal activity and emergency operations, including the successful search for a missing 10 year old child in Edmonton and an 87 year old woman in Kewarra.
3/ So many sod turns.
Over the past two months, I have celebrated a number of sod turns and our governments first sand turn on Double Island, where a new resort, bar and upgraded jetty facilities will come to life with the Morris Group. Chris and your team we can’t wait to see you transform this island after Labor left it to rot for a decade.
The Wangetti Trail is also finally heading in the right direction- the Tourism Minister and I turned the sod on stage 2 last week with World Trail and Contour Works who will be building stage two over the next 12 months, after a lot of community consultation. The community is thrilled with our direction after 5 years of failure to manage this project under the Labor party.
The Smithfield Mountain Bike Park continues to progress towards construction, with the master plan for the new trails released, and
Earl Hill is also finally getting its missing link, with a Trinity Beach trailhead connecting more people to one of our region’s favourite hiking destinations.
There are many happy hikers in bikers in Far North QLD because of these projects.
4/ The Cairns Courthouse is looking better than it has in decades, with refurbishment and mould remediation underway.
The symbolism of the fresh new look and investment reflects our governments fresh focus on crime in Far North QLD.
Stage 1 of the $19.3 million redevelopment has delivered dedicated children’s and domestic violence courtrooms, along with safe spaces for victim-survivors.
5/ Live music reform.
Queensland’s first Nightlife Economy Action Plan was released and it will support venues and performers, cut unnecessary barriers and help build a stronger nightlife economy. I spoke about this several times in parliament, and I am thrilled with the outcome that sound regulations will change, as will a lot more- so thanks to the Attorney General, Minister for Nightlife Economy, and the Nightlife Commissioner and to the 900 musicians, venues and music lovers in Cairns who signed my petition and advocated with me.
6/The Cairns Hospital
The Cairns Hospital has also opened a new 32-bed ward, another important project finally moving forward, as part of our $1 billion dollar upgrade to the Cairns Hospital to improve facilities, hire more staff and give Far North QLD the hospital we need and deserve.
7/The announcement that the T20 Gold Clash is coming to Cairns in November!
Cricket, AFL and Rugby League fans are so excited to have Australia’s first event like this happening in Cairns.
This will bring sporting stars including Ash Barty, JT, Ussy and Joel Selwood to Cairns.
Mr Speaker, there are so many other projects that I don’t have time to mention, but I am thrilled with what has been committed to, started or completed since our short time in office.
There is a lot more to do- but this is what Delivering for Far North Queensland Looks like.
